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2016 Nissan Sentra

For fleets looking to downsize to a compact sedan, Nissan offers the all-new 2016 Sentra. The seventh-generation Sentra is Nissan’s third vehicle to be redesigned in 2016, followed by the full-size Maxima and Altima.

Additionally, the 2016 features several exterior and interior improvements, including a design that reflects an “energetic flow.” It has a stylish look — similar to the Maxima and Altima — with a new “V-Motion” grille and boomerang head lamps. The new alloy wheels add that extra touch of refinement.

I had the opportunity to drive the Nissan Sentra through the streets of Orange County as well as on a few highways. I got behind the wheel of three of its trim levels — from the SV to the sporty SR to the top-of-the-line SL.

As I climbed into the SL model, I first noticed the black leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Once I started the car, the new LCD flat panel caught my eye. Located above the steering wheel, it displays navigation, safety information and fuel economy — all in one spot that is easy to read.

The SR model has a sportier look in its design. It features charcoal sport cloth seats accented with blue stitching, silver and dark interior trim, dark aluminum-alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

The Sentra handled well on both the neighborhood streets near the beach and on the busier freeways and Pacific Coast Highway. It’s powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder mated to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. I had the option to drive in eco, normal or sport mode. If you aren’t driving too aggressively, the eco mode can help improve gas mileage.

Photo by Amy Winter-Hercher.

The EPA ratings for the 2016 Sentra is 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway, with a combined fuel economy rating of 32 mpg.

The Sentra’s improved suspension design features retuned front struts and rear shocks and a 10% increase in higher spring rates. As I made a tight turn getting onto a freeway ramp, the new active understeer control kicked in. The inboard front brake pressure helped increase the vehicle rotation and maintain my speed through the turn.

The redesigned Sentra also comes with an improved interior quietness. As I was driving, I noticed less engine noise in the cabin. Nissan accomplished this by adding a high density mass barrier to the dash, Autozorb material to the door trim and laminated glass with a layer of acoustic barrier to the windshield.

With a starting MSRP of $16,780 for the S with 6-speed manual transmission, the Nissan Sentra offers six trim levels (S 6MT, S Xtronic, FE +S, SV, SR and SL).

The 2018-MY Leaf brings a host of new technological upgrades and sports a redesigned look. The new model year not only brings a lower entry price point but also offers the most range out of all sub-$30,000 electric cars.

One of the biggest selling points of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is its fuel efficiency. Touted as the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle in America, the base Blue model boasts fuel efficiency of 58 mpg combined.

Hyundai brings a strong competitor to the battery EV segment with its new Ioniq Electric sedan. On a full charge, it gets 124 miles MPGe and is one of the larger electric vehicles at 176 inches in length.

The redesigned 2017 Impreza has been built on Subaru’s new platform that improves stability and reduces road noise and vibration. The fuel-efficient, all-wheel-drive Impreza makes for a good commuter vehicle — available in either a sedan or hatchback.

One conclusion to come out of a full day of driving the 2017 CX-5 through varying terrains is that the crossover definitely deserves consideration from fleets looking to outfit some of their drivers with a car that’s fun to drive, full of amenities perfect for transporting clients, and has a bevy of safety-related options available.